Australia vs West Indies, 23rd Match: Preview

West Indies: Having stormed back into the reckoning with a thumping win over hosts Bangladesh, the West Indies will be keen on going one better and putting themselves closer to the semi-final spot. India top Group Two having won the first two matches and hope to consolidate their position with a victory against struggling hosts Bangladesh on Friday that would virtually secure them one of the two semi-final spots from the group. West Indies are second, having beaten Bangladesh to bounce back after their loss against India, while Australia are fourth having lost their first match to Pakistan.

West Indies' power-packed batting line-up finally showed its ability as Dwayne Smith and Chris Gayle both found their touch and helped their side to a competetive score against Bangladesh. They will however be wary of exposing the middle order which hasn't done much so far.

Things on the bowling front look much more rosy as Samuel Badree, Krishmar Santokie and Sunil Narine all sparkled to bowl Bangladesh out for a paltry score. Sammy must be pleased with his bowlers and another simialr performance against the Aussies will go a long way in easing the nerves after their setback in the first game.

Key to success: West Indies' spinners Sunil Narine, Samuel Badree and Marlon Samuels will all have a huge role to play on a pitch that would give them some support. Add to that, Australia discomfort against slow bowling and their roles will garner even more prominence.

Australia: The match against West Indies will likely decide whether either team has a chance to progress to the semi-finals. A loss for Australia could spell the end to their chances and would leave them hoping for a series of results to go their way. George Bailey's Australians, seeking a maiden T20 WC title after winning the 50-over World Cups four times, were beaten by Pakistan in their only match so far in the tournament. Australia have three matches in hand and the West Indies two, but neither side can afford to lose the opening game of Friday's double-header at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.

Their task will be cut out against a resurgent West Indies team who not only have a batting line-up that can tear into the opposition but also bowlers who would pose problems to the best. The Windies have masterblasters in Chris Gayle and Dwayne Smith, but Bailey's side will also have to contend with the most unlikely of West Indian attacks that hardly has a recognised paceman and is stacked with quirky spin bowlers.

Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell were in superb form in their last game against Pakistan, but the Aussies will hope players like David Warner, Shane Watson and George Bailey also come good. Australia's bowlers blew hot and cold in their first game. Doug Bollinger was the best bowler on offer in the opening game, but with a fine array of bowlers, they will want the likes of Mitchell Starc and Nathan Coulter-Nile among others to hit top form.

Key to success: Australia's success in the game will be the ability to handle WI's slower bowlers. In Sunil Narine, Badree, Samuels and Krishmar Santokie WI have a number of slow-bowling options. Australia have to be able to counter this if they are to notch up their first win.

Quotes: I think we have seen for a long time that Chris Gayle is one of the most destructive batsmen along with Shane Watson in this form of the game. The earlier you get guys like him, the longer you go in terms of winning the game: Brad Haddin.

So far in the tournament we've not played to our full potential. Once we do that, we'd be very destructive and we were destructive in that semi-final (in the) last World Cup: Darren Sammy.